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How do Terpenes affect the High of Cannabis?

How do Terpenes affect the High of Cannabis?

When it comes to the effects of cannabis, most people assume that the main psychoactive compound, THC, is responsible for the high. However, recent research has shown that terpenes, a group of organic compounds found in cannabis and other plants, can also play a significant role in creating the unique effects of different strains of cannabis.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their distinct smells and flavors. They are found in a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and have been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the same glands as THC, known as trichomes.

While THC is responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive effects of cannabis, terpenes can modify or enhance these effects. For example, some terpenes may increase the permeability of cell membranes in the brain, allowing THC to reach the brain more easily and produce a stronger effect. Other terpenes may have sedative or calming effects, counteracting the anxiety and paranoia that some people experience with high doses of THC.

One of the most well-known terpenes in cannabis is myrcene. This terpene has a musky, earthy aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis. It is also found in hops, which gives beer its characteristic aroma. Myrcene is believed to enhance the effects of THC by increasing its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it more potent. It also has sedative properties and is believed to contribute to the “couch-lock” effect that some cannabis strains are known for.

Another terpene that is commonly found in cannabis is limonene. As the name suggests, limonene has a citrusy aroma and is found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Limonene is believed to have uplifting and mood-enhancing effects, and may also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Some studies have also suggested that limonene may have anti-cancer properties.

Other terpenes that are commonly found in cannabis include pinene, which has a piney aroma and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, and linalool, which has a floral aroma and is believed to have sedative and pain-relieving effects.

While THC is certainly an important component of the cannabis plant, it is not the only one that contributes to its unique effects. Terpenes play a significant role in shaping the effects of different strains of cannabis, and can even modify or enhance the effects of THC. As our understanding of cannabis continues to evolve, it is likely that we will discover even more about the complex interactions between THC, terpenes, and other compounds in the plant, and the many potential therapeutic uses of these compounds.

 

Sources:

Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x

Gertsch, J., Leonti, M., Raduner, S., Racz, I., Chen, J. Z., Xie, X. Q., . . . Zimmer, A. (2008). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(26), 9099-9104. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0803601105

McPartland, J. M., & Russo, E. B. (2001). Cannabis and cannabis extracts: greater than the sum of their parts? Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, 1(3-4), 103-132. doi: 10.1300/J175v01n03_08

Ben-Shabat, S., Fride, E., Sheskin, T., Tamiri, T., Rhee, M. H., Vogel, Z., & Mechoulam, R. (1998). An entourage effect: inactive endogenous fatty acid glycerol esters enhance 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol cannabinoid activity. European Journal of Pharmacology, 353(1), 23-31. doi: 10.1016/S0014-2999(98)00392-6

Leggett, R. W. (2018). A Phytochemical Investigation of Cannabis sativa L. and its Derivatives. Cannabis sativa L.-botany and biotechnology, 261-289. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-92111-2_12

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